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Plugging in a power bank to smart controller for extended operation

steverdavis

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Has anyone had success using a power bank to extend the operational time on the smart controller? I have tried and after the power bank is plugged into the controller it disconnects from the aircraft ( Evo II 640T). If I plug in the charger it works fine but then I need to stay close to an outlet and have to use an extension cord etc.. TKS
 
Has anyone had success using a power bank to extend the operational time on the smart controller? I have tried and after the power bank is plugged into the controller it disconnects from the aircraft ( Evo II 640T). If I plug in the charger it works fine but then I need to stay close to an outlet and have to use an extension cord etc.. TKS

I don' t have your setup at all, but it sounds like the age old Android problem where it thinks every cable is a data cable. You might be able to find a USB power only cable and try that; it probably disconnects because it thinks there's another device connected when you plug it into a power bank. The fact that the charger works fine means the charger is probably using a power only cable.

Something like this is what I have in mind: https://www.amazon.com/PortaPow-Specialised-3-3ft-20AWG-Charge/dp/B00RQ5AZ6Q

But I don't know if the smart controller uses USB-C or microUSB.
 
Has anyone had success using a power bank to extend the operational time on the smart controller? I have tried and after the power bank is plugged into the controller it disconnects from the aircraft ( Evo II 640T). If I plug in the charger it works fine but then I need to stay close to an outlet and have to use an extension cord etc.. TKS
i don't do power banks anymore instead i use these. i keep one in my car and you can use your AC adapter.

 
I don' t have your setup at all, but it sounds like the age old Android problem where it thinks every cable is a data cable. You might be able to find a USB power only cable and try that; it probably disconnects because it thinks there's another device connected when you plug it into a power bank. The fact that the charger works fine means the charger is probably using a power only cable.

Something like this is what I have in mind: https://www.amazon.com/PortaPow-Specialised-3-3ft-20AWG-Charge/dp/B00RQ5AZ6Q

But I don't know if the smart controller uses USB-C or microUSB.
Thank you! I'm guessing these would work as well? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0897WB3VJ/ref=sw_img_1?smid=A20J3ITGSOMSJG&psc=1
 
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I have been using a Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 connected to my Smart Controller with no problems. I plug the Smart Controller charger into one of the AC plugs. You cannot run the Smart Controller using just a usb c cable.

Just purchased a Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300. This one has 2 AC outlets and 60W USB-C port.

Over the next 6 months, I will be shooting a number of thermal surveys including a 500 acres survey and another (proposed) nearly 1,300 acres. Thermal surveys take much longer to acquire, hence the need for portable power in the field. I use these Jackery units to keep the Smart Controller charged; my mobile devices charged and, if I need additional batteries; I can charge my drone batteries as well.
 

I think they would, I've never heard of a dedicated device like that but it looks promising. I like to keep my kit simple so I would go with the cable, but the blockers would let you use any cable so there's pros and cons to both.

I have been using a Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 connected to my Smart Controller with no problems. I plug the Smart Controller charger into one of the AC plugs. You cannot run the Smart Controller using just a usb c cable.

Just purchased a Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300. This one has 2 AC outlets and 60W USB-C port.

Over the next 6 months, I will be shooting a number of thermal surveys including a 500 acres survey and another (proposed) nearly 1,300 acres. Thermal surveys take much longer to acquire, hence the need for portable power in the field. I use these Jackery units to keep the Smart Controller charged; my mobile devices charged and, if I need additional batteries; I can charge my drone batteries as well.

I am not a fan of the Jackery products, mainly because the battery is not replaceable, and they list the life of the product as only 500 cycles; after that it adds to landfill waste; you can't even properly dispose of the battery and they use LiPos instead of lead acid. What I use instead when I need portable power is a Goal Zero Yeti 400 which I've had for 7yrs now. The battery is easily replaceable and a standard sized battery and you can drop off the dead one at any battery recycling center. The Goal Zero stopped charging around the 6yr mark, so last year I replaced it for only $130. The one downside to the Goal Zero is that its much heavier than an equivalent LiPo power station, but I'll take the extra weight any day over a disposable one.

Nowhere in Jackery's marketing material do they mention the whole thing is basically a paperweight after about 3yrs; I had to do my own research and contact one of their resellers to find out the truth. Its also not easy to find out that it only lasts about 500 cycles.
 
I have been using a Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 connected to my Smart Controller with no problems. I plug the Smart Controller charger into one of the AC plugs. You cannot run the Smart Controller using just a usb c cable.

Just purchased a Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300. This one has 2 AC outlets and 60W USB-C port.

Over the next 6 months, I will be shooting a number of thermal surveys including a 500 acres survey and another (proposed) nearly 1,300 acres. Thermal surveys take much longer to acquire, hence the need for portable power in the field. I use these Jackery units to keep the Smart Controller charged; my mobile devices charged and, if I need additional batteries; I can charge my drone batteries as well.
Thanks for your help!
 

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